2007 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

  15.7% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 3.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints8.7× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

  9.6% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Flexible brake hoses2.5× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

  10.5% All 2007 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.7% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Steering rack inner joints2.5× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

  8.1% All 2007 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

  8.6% All 2007 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.6% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2007 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  34% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  23% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  22% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2007 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 8.7× as often on the 2007 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2007 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?